Jenson Brooksby shares autism's advantages in tennis

Jenson Brooksby is a 24-year-old American tennis player. He shared recently that he was diagnosed with severe autism as a child and was non-verbal until he was four. He made this announcement to help others who face similar challenges and to inspire future athletes. Brooksby believes that sharing his story can ease the struggles of others in his situation. Growing up, Brooksby underwent intensive therapy, sometimes as much as 40 hours a week. His parents devoted a lot of time and resources to help him communicate. He found sports, particularly tennis, to be a great outlet for his energy. "Sport was a big release for me," he explained. He developed a competitive mindset early on, wanting to be good at sports. Brooksby first gained attention in 2021 when he became the youngest American to reach the US Open fourth round in 19 years. However, injuries and a ban for missing drug tests affected his career. His ban came after he missed appointments that required him to inform officials about his whereabouts. Despite a legal dispute, he accepted an 18-month ban that was later reduced to 13 months after new information was presented. An independent tribunal noted that Brooksby’s autism diagnosis might have contributed to his misunderstanding of the situation. Michelle Wagner, who handled Brooksby’s treatment as a child, described him as having made remarkable progress as an adult. She noted that his decision-making was affected by his early diagnosis of severe autism. Brooksby now uses strategies to manage his condition. He admits it can be hard for him to focus when too many things are happening around him. However, he believes his ability to concentrate in stressful moments is an advantage on the court. He credits the hard work he and his parents put into managing his condition for his current success. After a two-year absence, Brooksby returned to competitive tennis at the Australian Open. His comeback included victories at Indian Wells, where he appreciated the support from fellow players. He noted, however, that most players tend to focus on their own performance, which he understands and respects. Brooksby feels optimistic about his future and emphasizes the importance of personal growth.